President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Tuesday, inaugurated the historic mosque ‘Kalhu Vakaru Miskiyy' following relocation and restoration.
Vice President Faisal Naseem, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Yumna Maumoon, as well as other top state officials attended the ceremony held to inaugurate the mosque and its adjoining area in Sultan Park.
Speaking about the historical significance of Kalhuvakaru Miskiyy, President Solih declared that the mosque symbolised the country's historical legacy and served as a testament to the craftsmanship skills of Maldivians.
He noted that the mosque displayed ancient Hiriga (coral stone) handiwork and was the only remaining structure built with lacquered woodwork using lumber from the ebony tree (Kalhu Vakaru).
The president expressed gratitude to Minister Yumna and her team from the heritage ministry for conducting the restoration work for the mosque.
President Solih emphasized the necessity of protecting items and places of historical significance, particularly for future generations. He went on to add that the Heritage Act ratified in September 2019 provided the legal framework needed to protect and preserve such rich sites and infrastructure.
He also touched on the government's intention to introduce cultural tourism in Maldives as part of economic diversification plans, which he said were crucial in the context of the economic repercussions of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The inauguration of the mosque and the adjoining park in the former Sultan Park area was held to coincide with the anniversary of the day Maldives embraced Islam. Extending well wishes of the occasion to Maldivians, President Solih emphasized that religious unity was the key to maintain Maldives' independence and sovereignty.
In reference to the previous administration's decision to dismantle Kalhuvakaru Mosque to clear space for an indoor ice-skating rink, Heritage Minister Yumna Maumoon expressed her opinion that sustainable development could only be achieved in combination with Maldives' Islamic and historic heritage.
A stunning structure made from hirigaa (coral stone) and kalhu vakaru (ebony tree), the Kalhu Vakaru Miskiyy was commissioned in the 18th century by Sultan Shamsudeen II and completed during the reign of Sultan Hassan Noorudheen I. It was first located near the National Stadium, until it was auctioned off to a resort owner during the regime of Maldives' second president, Ibrahim Nasir. The auction's winner had had the mosque shifted safely to his resort.
Kalhu Vakaru Miskiyy was returned to the government after former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom came to power, who relocated it to the corner of the demolished grounds of a 16th century Royal Palace. The grounds were developed into the historic 'Sultan Park' in 1968 after Maldives ended its sultanate.
The administration of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom cleared the mosque in 2017, as part of government plans to revamp the original location of the mosque to include Maldives' first ever Winter-themed park, inside Sultan Park which was rebranded then as Rasrani Bageecha. The current government reverted the name to Sultan Park soon after President Solih was sworn in.
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